What is the Fick principle for cardiac output?

The Fick principle states CO = VO2 / (arterial O2 content - venous O2 content). At rest, CO ≈ 5 L/min. In elite endurance athletes at maximal exercise, CO can reach 30–40 L/min, driven mainly by very high stroke volumes (160–200 mL).

How is stroke volume calculated from cardiac output?

Stroke Volume (SV) = Cardiac Output / Heart Rate. At VO2max with CO of 30 L/min and HR of 185 bpm: SV = 30,000 mL / 185 = 162 mL per beat. Endurance training primarily increases maximal SV, not maximal HR.

Cardiac Output (Fick Method) Calculator

Calculate cardiac output using the Fick principle: CO = VO2 / (CaO2 − CvO2). Estimate stroke volume and cardiac reserve from oxygen consumption data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fick principle for cardiac output?

How is stroke volume calculated from cardiac output?